Kansas double murder suspect found dead; community raising support for family

PENOKEE — Efren Lloyd Mascarenas Jr., a person of interest identified in an ongoing double homicide investigation, was found dead by authorities Thursday night in northeast Graham County, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

The KBI and Graham County Sheriff’s office released more details about Thursday’s shooting over the weekend, the Associated Press reported.

Authorities say Efren Mascarenas Jr. killed his 52-year-old father, Efren Mascarenas Sr., and stepsister, 28-year-old Christin Cantrell, in northeast Graham County. Later police found the younger Mascarenas’s body with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Associated Press.

First responders found a Hispanic male and white female deceased at 2756 170th Ave. near Penokee after a 911 call was made to the Graham County Sheriff’s Office at approximately 3:30 p.m. Thursday. The caller reported an unresponsive male.

Mascarenas, 29, was identified as a person of interest and considered armed and dangerous. A search continued through the night, with residents in several nearby counties urged by authorities to lock their property and stay inside.

Mascarenas has three convictions in Ellis County — two for aggravated battery — and one in Trego County for aggravated battery. The convictions in Ellis County date back to 2010.

He had spent time in correctional facilities in El Dorado and Lansing, and had been issued numerous disciplinary reports at the two facilities — including battery, fighting, dangerous contraband and assault.

The Graham County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in the search by the KBI, Kansas Highway Patrol, Hill City Police, sheriff’s offices from Rooks, Ellis, Phillips and Norton counties, and the Hays Police Department.

The Go Fund Me campaign, titled “Mascarenas Family funeral expenses,” is seeking to raise $15,000.

Donation buckets also have been placed at several Hill City businesses, an effort led by a local group of Hill City residents. The same group also is establishing a benefit account Monday at People’s State Bank, according to local resident Jessy Lovin. Funds are intended to help with funeral expenses and benefit the family.

According to the Associated Press, Kansas Department of Corrections records show Mascarenas has three prior convictions for aggravated battery and another for interference with law enforcement. He was released from prison in February of 2017 and his post-release expired in August.